تازہ ترین

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    Pete Davidson, Elsie Hewitt set differences aside to co-parent daughter

    Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have chosen to move past their differences. Their focus now is on their daughter, Scottie. The former couple has confirmed a formal co-parenting arrangement following their breakup. PEOPLE recently reported on the development. According to the outlet, the 32-year-old comedian and 30-year-old model have reached an understanding. This arrangement covers how they will raise their seven-month-old daughter together. The pair addressed the situation in a joint statement. “We are cooperatively co-parenting our daughter, whose well-being remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to working together to give her love from both of us,” they said. Scottie was born in December 2025. Davidson and Hewitt named her in honour of the Saturday Night Live alum’s late father, Scott Matthew Davidson. The couple’s relationship, however, did not last much longer. They separated just months later, in May 2026. Since the breakup, Hewitt has reportedly taken on much of the parenting responsibility herself. She has also continued working during this time. Speaking about a TikTok post where Hewitt opened up about staying focused on her priorities, an insider offered more context. The source explained that Hewitt has been managing daily parenting duties largely alone. At the same time, she has been trying to build stability for both herself and her daughter. The insider also touched on the couple’s past struggles. According to them, relationship challenges had been building for some time. This reportedly caused significant stress for Hewitt. The source added that she currently carries much of the emotional and mental weight of raising their daughter. Before their split, Davidson spoke fondly about becoming a father. In March 2026, he praised Hewitt’s parenting as well. “Dad life is awesome. It is exhausting and rewarding and cute. And I am very lucky because Elsie is a fantastic mom, and I can’t stress enough how lucky I am,” he said at the time. Despite reports of strain within the relationship, another source close to Davidson offered a different perspective. Speaking to the outlet in May 2026, the insider said Davidson had continued supporting both Hewitt and Scottie financially. The source added that Davidson wanted the best possible outcome for them both. Davidson and Hewitt reportedly began dating in March 2025, first spotted together during a trip to Palm Beach. They later confirmed their relationship on Instagram, announced Hewitt’s pregnancy in July, and welcomed daughter Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson that December.

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    Russian missile attack kills nine in Kyiv

    KYIV: At least nine people were killed and 28 others injured after Russian ballistic missile strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Saturday morning, Ukrainian officials said. The attack caused heavy damage in several areas of the city. Multiple explosions were reported as missiles struck residential areas and other locations. Emergency teams rushed to the affected sites to rescue people and control fires. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital came under a major missile attack. He said several explosions were heard across the city, while fires broke out and some areas faced power disruptions. Officials said the Darnytskyi district was among the worst-hit areas. At least seven people were killed there, while 14 others were injured. Two children were among those wounded in the strike. Another missile strike hit the Solomyanskyi district, killing two people and injuring eight others. A five-storey residential building was partially destroyed, trapping some residents inside. Rescue workers carried out operations to search for survivors and clear the damaged structure. The attack also affected the area around the Lithuanian embassy. Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said a missile landed nearby, damaging windows and spreading debris inside the embassy compound. No casualties were reported among diplomatic staff. The latest strikes are part of an increase in Russian missile attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials say Moscow has intensified the use of ballistic missiles, creating greater pressure on the country’s air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for additional air defence support, especially Patriot missile interceptors, which Ukraine says are essential for stopping ballistic missile attacks. Zelensky raised the issue during his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. He urged greater support for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities as Russian attacks continue. Trump said discussions over Ukraine’s request to produce Patriot interceptors are still ongoing. However, he expressed concerns about sharing advanced US military technology and said such decisions require careful consideration. Ukraine has faced shortages of Patriot systems as Russian air attacks have increased. Kyiv says these systems remain among the few weapons capable of intercepting high-speed ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued launching retaliatory strikes against Russian targets. Ukrainian officials say their operations are aimed at disrupting military supply routes and damaging facilities linked to Russia’s war efforts.

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    Spider-Man film breaks records despite major leak

    LOS ANGELES: Marvel’s highly anticipated film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has continued its strong box office performance despite facing a major online leak shortly before its release. A high-quality pirated copy of the film reportedly appeared on the social media platform X, creating concerns for the movie’s commercial success. The leaked version was later removed, but it had already attracted millions of views during the time it remained online. According to reports, the leaked footage was available for several hours and received widespread engagement, including thousands of likes and reposts. The incident added to growing concerns in Hollywood over digital piracy and the protection of major film releases. Despite the setback, the latest Spider-Man instalment has shown strong audience demand. The film recorded an impressive performance during preview screenings, earning around $72 million and surpassing the preview record previously held by “Avengers: Endgame,” which earned $60 million. The strong early response has increased expectations for the film’s opening weekend. Industry analysts are predicting a possible domestic opening of up to $300 million, although Sony Pictures has maintained a more cautious estimate of around $195 million. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is the fourth major Spider-Man film in the current series and follows Peter Parker as he faces a new reality after being forgotten by the world. The story explores his struggle to continue fighting crime while dealing with personal challenges and a powerful new threat. The film has generated significant attention due to its connection with the wider Marvel universe and high expectations from fans worldwide. Entertainment analysts say the strong box office performance despite the leak highlights the continued popularity of the Spider-Man franchise. They added that fans’ interest in watching the film on the big screen appears to have outweighed the impact of the piracy incident.

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    IShowSpeed’s 60M celebration ends in horror

    Popular YouTube streamer IShowSpeed’s celebration after reaching 60 million subscribers took an unexpected turn when a balloon stunt inspired by a Disney movie ended in a dangerous fall. The content creator planned the unusual celebration as a tribute to Disney’s animated film “Up”, in which a house is lifted into the sky using thousands of balloons. Speed attempted a similar stunt by attaching himself to a chair connected to large helium balloons. According to reports, Speed and his team prepared the stunt gradually. They added smaller balloons during his journey toward the subscriber milestone and later replaced them with much larger balloons for the final attempt. At the beginning of the stunt, crew members helped keep the chair stable as Speed slowly moved upward. After officially reaching the 60 million subscriber mark, the streamer became emotional and asked to be released to experience the flight on his own. However, moments later, several balloons reportedly burst while he was in the air, causing the setup to lose balance. The failure of the balloon system resulted in Speed falling to the ground. The incident was captured during a live broadcast and quickly spread across social media platforms. In the footage, Speed appeared shaken after the fall, breathing heavily, while blood was visible on his forehead. The livestream was immediately switched to another camera angle following the incident. The stunt attracted mixed reactions from viewers. Some fans expressed concern over the risks involved and questioned the safety measures taken during the attempt. Others reacted with humour, comparing the failed stunt to the animated film that inspired it. Some social media users also questioned whether the incident was staged, while others defended Speed and said the fall appeared genuine. The incident has renewed discussions about the safety risks involved in extreme online content, as creators increasingly attempt unusual challenges to entertain millions of followers.

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    FBR starts fiscal year strong with rs810 billion t…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) kicked off the new fiscal year on a positive note by surpassing its July tax collection target, although a shortfall in income tax receipts and the government’s decision to reject a key enforcement proposal highlighted the challenges that lie ahead. According to provisional figures, the FBR collected Rs810 billion in July, exceeding its monthly target by Rs30 billion. The collection also marked a 7% increase compared to Rs757 billion collected during the same month last year. The strong performance was largely driven by robust sales tax collections, which reached Rs358 billion, surpassing the target by Rs53 billion and recording an 18% year-on-year increase. A significant 78% of total sales tax, amounting to Rs275 billion, was collected at the import stage, where tax compliance is generally higher. However, income tax collection remained below expectations. The FBR collected more than Rs300 billion in income tax, falling Rs23 billion short of the target. Analysts attributed the shortfall to advance tax collections made in June to meet last fiscal year’s revised revenue goals, along with reduced withholding tax rates for salaried individuals and property transactions introduced in the latest federal budget. Meanwhile, customs duty collection stood at Rs105 billion, matching the target, while federal excise duty generated Rs48 billion, slightly exceeding expectations. The July performance marks the beginning of a crucial fiscal year in which the government has committed to collecting Rs15.263 trillion in taxes under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meeting the annual target is considered essential for securing future IMF loan disbursements and creating fiscal space for development, defence and water resource projects. The FBR also reported encouraging progress in tax compliance, receiving around 227,000 income tax returns during July after updated tax return forms became available. Additionally, the authority issued Rs98 billion in tax refunds, approximately Rs13 billion more than in the same period last year. Despite the positive revenue performance, the federal cabinet declined an FBR proposal to activate restrictions on high-value purchases by individuals with insufficient declared assets. Had the proposal been approved, it would have limited the purchase of luxury vehicles, expensive properties, large stock investments and major cash withdrawals by non-compliant taxpayers. Economic observers say the government’s ability to sustain monthly revenue growth will be closely watched, as consistent tax collection remains critical to maintaining fiscal stability and meeting commitments under Pakistan’s economic reform programme.

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    Germany faces ICJ hearing over Nicaragua’s Gaza …

    THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body, has announced that it will hold public hearings in September to examine Germany’s preliminary objections in a case filed by Nicaragua over alleged violations of international law related to the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the Gaza Strip. According to an official statement issued by the court, the hearings will take place from September 7 to September 10 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The proceedings will focus solely on Germany’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of parts of Nicaragua’s legal claims before the case can move forward on its merits. Nicaragua initiated the case on March 1, 2024, accusing Germany of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention, the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols and other principles of international humanitarian law. The Central American nation argues that Germany has failed in its duty to help prevent genocide by continuing political, financial and military support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. Nicaragua also claims Germany’s decision to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) contributed to worsening the humanitarian situation. According to Nicaragua, the ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023, has created what it describes as a recognized risk of genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza, making all states party to the Genocide Convention responsible for taking preventive measures. Germany formally challenged the case on October 21, 2025, filing preliminary objections that argue the ICJ does not have jurisdiction to hear the dispute. Berlin also contends that several of Nicaragua’s claims are legally inadmissible. Under ICJ procedures, consideration of the main case has been suspended until the court decides whether it has the authority to proceed. The hearing schedule provides Germany with the first opportunity to present oral arguments on September 7, followed by Nicaragua on September 8. Germany will return for a second round on September 9, while Nicaragua will deliver its final submissions on September 10. The case is being closely watched by governments, legal experts and international human rights organizations, as the court’s eventual ruling on jurisdiction could determine whether one of the most closely followed legal disputes arising from the Gaza conflict proceeds to a full hearing on its merits.

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    Modi calls for mercy as India moves past exam prot…

    NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for compassion toward students who participated in recent nationwide protests over a controversial examination paper leak, saying that punishment alone would not resolve the underlying issues that triggered one of the biggest political challenges of his third term. In a video message shared on social media, Modi said he wanted to forgive students who shouted abusive slogans against him during demonstrations held across the country last month. He argued that dragging young protesters through lengthy legal proceedings would not help restore trust or address their concerns. “These are misguided children. It is our responsibility to show them the right path,” Modi said. “Punishing them, making them appear repeatedly in court or subjecting them to social humiliation will not solve the problem.” The protests erupted after the leak of national examination papers forced authorities to conduct a retest for nearly two million students, sparking widespread anger over transparency, fairness and employment opportunities for young people. The demonstrations quickly spread to several cities, including the capital, New Delhi, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds attempting to march toward Parliament, while authorities registered cases against hundreds of demonstrators following incidents of violence and anti-government slogans. The student-led movement, identifying itself as the Cockroach Janta Party, has claimed that hundreds of protesters were arrested across different states despite government assurances that police cases against demonstrators would be withdrawn. Following weeks of sustained protests, the government accepted the movement’s key demands, including reforms to the examination system and the resignation of the education minister. The demonstrations were subsequently called off. At the same time, the Modi government has moved to tighten laws against examination fraud by introducing new legislation in Parliament. The proposed bill seeks stricter punishments, including longer prison terms and heavier financial penalties, for individuals involved in leaking examination papers or manipulating public examinations. Political analysts say Modi’s latest remarks appear aimed at easing tensions and encouraging national reconciliation after weeks of unrest. However, they note that public confidence will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms that ensure transparent examinations and restore trust among millions of students preparing for competitive tests across India.

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    99 years of PLA: Pakistan reaffirms China defence …

    The 99th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was commemorated at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, with senior Pakistani and Chinese officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong attended the ceremony as the chief guest. China’s Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese Embassy, and senior officers from Pakistan’s armed forces were also present at the event. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the Chinese delegation and congratulated the PLA on completing 99 years of service. He praised the Chinese military’s role in strengthening China’s defence capabilities, supporting national development and contributing to international peace and security. Highlighting the close relationship between Pakistan and China, Field Marshal Munir said the friendship between the two countries is based on mutual trust and has remained strong despite changing regional and global challenges. He described the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA as reliable partners, saying both sides share a commitment to regional stability, peace and the protection of common strategic interests. During the ceremony, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked the Pakistani leadership for hosting the event and appreciated the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Islamabad and expressed commitment to further expanding the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two countries. The ceremony reflected the longstanding defence ties between Pakistan and China, with both sides emphasizing continued cooperation, strategic coordination and joint efforts to promote regional security.

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    Akbar Islam exposes reality of working with Sana Javed

    Sana Javed’s reputation within the Pakistani entertainment industry has been complicated for several years. Before her marriage to cricketer Shoaib Malik, a wave of allegations from colleagues and crew members described her as rude and difficult to work with on set, a controversy that temporarily cost her significant public goodwill. Following her marriage, she stepped away from acting for a period, and her return to screens in the ongoing drama Bas Tera Saath Ho has been watched closely by audiences curious about how the comeback would land. Now, a co-star from the same production has stepped forward to share his firsthand experience of working alongside her, and what he had to say runs contrary to the narrative that had built up around her. Akbar Islam, who plays a supportive neighbour uncle in Bas Tera Saath Ho, was asked directly about his experience working with Sana Javed and whether the stories about her difficult behaviour on set reflected the reality he had encountered. His response was thoughtful and contextual rather than simply defensive of the actress. He said that what people interpret as rudeness is not always what it appears to be. Actors, he explained, need to maintain a certain aura on set. A professional distance, a sense of presence and composure, is part of how performers protect the quality of the work and the integrity of their characters. What some people read as aloofness or arrogance may simply be an actor holding that professional boundary. He said this was the context in which he understood what had previously been said about Sana Javed, and about her co-star Farhan Saeed as well. As for his own experience working with them on Bas Tera Saath Ho, he described it plainly as a great one. He added that dynamics differ from set to set and production to production, suggesting that past accounts may have reflected specific circumstances rather than a fixed truth about either actor’s character. Sana Javed’s performance in Bas Tera Saath Ho has been receiving positive attention from viewers, marking a steady rehabilitation of her public image following the controversy that preceded her comeback. The drama itself has been well received, with Akbar Islam’s own performance drawing warm feedback from audiences who appreciate the warmth and depth he brings to his supporting role. His remarks offer a counterpoint to the accounts that once dominated the conversation about Sana Javed, framing the earlier criticism through the lens of professional behaviour rather than personal failing, and suggesting that the version of her colleagues have encountered during the filming of Bas Tera Saath Ho has been a different and more positive experience altogether.

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    Barbie sequel talks hit roadblock as negotiations …

    The huge success of Barbie made a sequel seem almost inevitable. After all, the 2023 film became a global phenomenon, earning more than $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office and turning into one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits ever. Fans quickly began asking when Barbie and Ken would return to the big screen. However, the road to a second film has become more complicated than many expected. Recent reports suggest that negotiations for a Barbie sequel have reached a major roadblock. Warner Bros. is reportedly still working to secure new agreements with key members of the original team, including director Greta Gerwig, co-writer Noah Baumbach, and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. None of them were contractually committed to a sequel after the first film, meaning fresh deals must be negotiated before production can move forward.  Adding to the pressure is a reported deadline tied to the film rights. According to recent reports, Warner Bros. has until December to finalize arrangements for a sequel before certain rights could revert to Mattel, the company behind the iconic Barbie doll. That deadline has increased the urgency of the ongoing talks.  The creative side of the project has also played a role in the delay. Following the release of the original film, Greta Gerwig repeatedly said she did not have an idea for a sequel. She explained that she had poured everything into the first movie and was not thinking about a follow-up at the time. More recent reports, however, indicate that Gerwig and Baumbach may now have a potential story in mind, but they are reportedly keeping those details private while negotiations continue.  Money is believed to be another major factor in the discussions. Reports claim that salary demands and profit-sharing arrangements are among the issues slowing progress, with all sides trying to reach an agreement that reflects the original film’s enormous success.  Despite the current challenges, a sequel has not been ruled out. Industry insiders believe there is still strong interest from both the studio and the creative team to continue the franchise if the right deal can be reached. For now, fans will have to wait as negotiations continue behind the scenes, hoping Barbie’s next adventure eventually makes its way to theaters.